Cities and Towns in Washington County, Maryland

Founded in 1776, Washington County is one of 23 counties in the state of Maryland. Historically, Washington County was formed from part of Frederick County. The city of Hagerstown is the county seat. With FIPS code of 43, Washington County has a population of 154,937 and area of 468 square miles (1,212 km²).

List of all cities in Washington County, MD alphabetically

City/Town	Postal Code	Area Code
Big Pool, MD	21711	301/240/227
Big Spring, MD	21722	301/240/227
Boonsboro, MD	21713	301/240/227
Brownsville, MD	21715	301/240/227
Cascade, MD	21719	301/240/227
Cavetown, MD	21720	301/240/227
Chewsville, MD	21721	301/240/227
Citicorp, MD	21747	301/240/227
	21748	301/240/227
Citicorp (BRM), MD	21749	301/240/227
Clear Spring, MD	21722	301/240/227
Fairplay, MD	21733	301/240/227
Fort Ritchie, MD	21719	301/240/227
Funkstown, MD	21734	301/240/227
Gapland, MD	21779	301/240/227
Hagerstown, MD	21740	301/240/227
	21741	301/240/227
	21742	301/240/227
	21746	301/240/227
	21747	301/240/227
	21748	301/240/227
	21749	301/240/227
Hancock, MD	21750	301/240/227
Highfield, MD	21719	301/240/227
Keedysville, MD	21756	301/240/227
Maryland Correctional System, MD	21746	301/240/227
Maugansville, MD	21767	301/240/227
Northern, MD	21742	301/240/227
Rohrersville, MD	21779	301/240/227
Saint James, MD	21781	301/240/227
Sharpsburg, MD	21782	301/240/227
Smithsburg, MD	21783	301/240/227
Williamsport, MD	21795	301/240/227

Major Cities and Towns in Washington County, Maryland

1. Hagerstown

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude:

• Area: 12.10 square miles
• Population: 43,527 (2020 Census)
• Zip Codes: 21740, 21742
• Latitude: 39.6418° N
• Longitude: 77.7203° W

Location and History

Hagerstown, the county seat of Washington County, is located in the western part of Maryland, close to the borders with Pennsylvania and West Virginia. Founded in 1762 by Jonathan Hager, a German settler, the town quickly became a hub for transportation and industry due to its strategic location at the crossroads of key routes in the region. The National Road and several railways passed through Hagerstown, fueling its growth. Known as the “Hub City,” Hagerstown played a significant role during the Civil War as a supply center and saw troop movements through the area. Today, Hagerstown is a vibrant city with a rich blend of history, industry, and culture.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Hagerstown is home to North Hagerstown High School, South Hagerstown High School, and the Hagerstown Community College. Key landmarks include the Maryland Theatre, which hosts a variety of performing arts events, and the Hagerstown City Park, where the Washington County Museum of Fine Arts is located. The Jonathan Hager House and Museum preserves the history of the town’s founder. Hagerstown’s historic downtown features a variety of shops, restaurants, and galleries, and the nearby Antietam National Battlefield, just outside of town, attracts visitors interested in Civil War history.

2. Boonsboro

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude:

• Area: 3.03 square miles
• Population: 3,836 (2020 Census)
• Zip Codes: 21713
• Latitude: 39.5070° N
• Longitude: 77.6525° W

Location and History

Boonsboro is located at the foot of South Mountain, about 10 miles south of Hagerstown. Founded in 1792 by brothers George and William Boone, relatives of the famous frontiersman Daniel Boone, Boonsboro became known as a key stop on the National Road, which helped spur its development. The town played a significant role during the Civil War, with Confederate and Union troops passing through on their way to the nearby Battle of Antietam. Today, Boonsboro is a quiet but growing community, known for its small-town charm and rich history.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Boonsboro High School serves the town’s educational needs. Major landmarks include the Boonsborough Museum of History, which contains a wide array of artifacts from the town’s past, and the Washington Monument State Park, home to the first monument dedicated to George Washington. The Appalachian Trail passes through the park, offering scenic hikes. Boonsboro’s Main Street, lined with historic buildings, provides a glimpse into the town’s 19th-century roots, while the annual Boonesborough Days festival celebrates the area’s history and heritage with arts, crafts, and reenactments.

3. Williamsport

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude:

• Area: 1.04 square miles
• Population: 2,137 (2020 Census)
• Zip Codes: 21795
• Latitude: 39.5962° N
• Longitude: 77.8182° W

Location and History

Williamsport is located along the Potomac River, about 7 miles southwest of Hagerstown. Founded in 1787 by General Otho Holland Williams, a Revolutionary War hero, the town was initially considered by George Washington as a potential site for the nation’s capital, though it ultimately lost out to Washington, D.C. During the Civil War, Williamsport saw action in the Maryland Campaign, and the Confederate Army crossed the Potomac at this location following the Battle of Gettysburg. Today, Williamsport is a small, historic town with close ties to the Chesapeake & Ohio (C&O) Canal, which played a vital role in its growth.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Williamsport High School is the main educational institution in the area. Landmarks include the Cushwa Basin, part of the C&O Canal National Historical Park, where visitors can explore the restored canal and lock structures. The town also features historic sites such as Springfield Farm and Museum, one of the oldest homes in Maryland. The Potomac River provides recreational opportunities, including boating, fishing, and hiking along the canal towpath. The annual Canal Days Festival celebrates the town’s history and connection to the C&O Canal.

4. Smithsburg

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude:

• Area: 1.14 square miles
• Population: 3,152 (2020 Census)
• Zip Codes: 21783
• Latitude: 39.6547° N
• Longitude: 77.5728° W

Location and History

Smithsburg is located near the base of South Mountain, about 10 miles northeast of Hagerstown. Founded in 1813 by Christopher “Stuffle” Smith, the town grew as an agricultural center, known for its orchards and fruit production. The area’s fertile soil made it ideal for growing apples, peaches, and other fruits, and Smithsburg still celebrates its agricultural heritage today. During the Civil War, the town’s proximity to South Mountain and Antietam placed it in the path of both Union and Confederate forces. Smithsburg’s small-town atmosphere and beautiful surroundings make it a popular place to live for those seeking a peaceful rural setting.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Smithsburg High School serves students from the town and surrounding areas. Major landmarks include Veterans Park, which offers recreational amenities and hosts community events, and the nearby South Mountain State Park, where the Battle of South Mountain was fought during the Civil War. The town is known for its annual Smithsburg Pride Days and the Smithsburg Steam & Craft Show, both of which celebrate the community’s agricultural and industrial heritage. The scenic mountain views and nearby hiking trails make Smithsburg an attractive destination for nature lovers.

5. Clear Spring

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude:

• Area: 0.35 square miles
• Population: 409 (2020 Census)
• Zip Codes: 21722
• Latitude: 39.6562° N
• Longitude: 77.9314° W

Location and History

Clear Spring is a small town located along U.S. Route 40, about 12 miles west of Hagerstown. Founded in 1821 by Martin Myers, the town is named after the clear spring that flows through it, which was a key water source for early settlers. Clear Spring grew as a stop on the National Road, serving travelers heading west. The town remained small and rural, with agriculture being the primary industry. Clear Spring has retained its historic charm, with many of its original buildings still standing, offering a glimpse into 19th-century life in western Maryland.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Clear Spring High School and Clear Spring Middle School serve the local student population. Notable landmarks include Fort Frederick State Park, located just outside of town, which features a restored colonial-era fort dating back to the French and Indian War. The park also offers camping, hiking, and events such as reenactments. The Clear Spring Historic District, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, contains many well-preserved buildings from the town’s early years. The town hosts the annual Clear Spring Fireman’s Carnival and Heritage Day, celebrating its close-knit community and rural roots.

6. Keedysville

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude:

• Area: 0.96 square miles
• Population: 1,153 (2020 Census)
• Zip Codes: 21756
• Latitude: 39.4868° N
• Longitude: 77.6967° W

Location and History

Keedysville is located in southern Washington County, near Antietam Creek, about 10 miles south of Hagerstown. The town was founded in 1852 by Jacob Keedy, and it grew as a small farming community. Keedysville gained historical significance during the Civil War, as it served as a staging area for Union troops before the Battle of Antietam, one of the bloodiest battles of the war. Troops passed through the town on their way to Sharpsburg, and local buildings were used as hospitals for wounded soldiers. Today, Keedysville remains a quiet, residential town with a strong connection to its Civil War heritage.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Keedysville’s students attend nearby Boonsboro schools, including Boonsboro High School. Major landmarks include the Pry House Field Hospital Museum, located just outside town on the Antietam National Battlefield, where visitors can learn about Civil War medicine. Keedysville is also home to the historic Rohrersville Band Hall, which houses one of the oldest community bands in the United States. The town’s rural setting and proximity to Antietam Creek make it an ideal location for outdoor activities, such as hiking and fishing. Keedysville’s annual community events, including its fall festival, highlight the town’s welcoming, small-town atmosphere.